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Combination feeding checklist

Combination feeding, also known as mixed feeding, is when you feed your baby both breast milk and infant formula. It can take a while for you and baby to adjust. Here are some combination feeding tips to make it easier.

2 mins to read Sep 22, 2020
  • Wait until breastfeeding is well-established as changes can interfere with mom’s supply. This should help to prevent nipple confusion too—when your baby gets more familiar with the feel of a bottle nipple, and then has trouble latching onto your breast.
  • It is important to understand that using infant formula will reduce the amount of breast milk your body produces.
  • Start with one bottle-feed a day. Make sure baby isn’t hugely hungry for the first one, it’s best if they’re relaxed and happy.
  • Try to set a combination feeding schedule of bottle-feeding or breastfeeding at the same time each day. It doesn’t have to be rigid, just make sure you’re responding to your baby’s “I’m hungry” cues.
  • If you’re returning to work and would like to introduce combination feeding to your baby, start a few weeks before to help establish a routine.
  • Make up each formula feed as and when you need it. Always follow the manufacturer’s preparation and storage instructions which you can find on the label.
  • Ready-to-use formula nursers or tetra’s can be convenient for combination feeding – especially at first.
  • For food safety reasons, discard unfinished formula or breast milk within one hour after feeding.
  • If your baby struggles with bottle-feeding, try testing different nipples to see if there’s one that they prefer.

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